Earth Girls Are Easy Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Earth Girls Are Easy" by Lionsgate Film's Vestron Video Collector's Series offers a visually vibrant presentation with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The film benefits notably from its colorful production design, with the palette maintaining a lively and vivid quality that enhances the overall impact. Technically, the disc provides sharp and well-defined details especially in close-ups, showcasing the unique textures of the aliens' vibrantly colored fur and Geena Davis' distinctive wardrobe. However, it retains some visual artifacts characteristic of older films, such as matte lines and occasional halos around objects, indicating minimal sharpening.

The vividness of colors significantly contributes to the film’s whimsical and kitschy aesthetic, particularly during musical numbers where bright, candy-colored visuals practically leap off the screen. Despite the film's age, its clarity is commendable, with skin tones appearing consistently natural throughout. High-key lighting accentuates the '80s pastel settings and enhances scenes with vibrant effects like multi-exposures during alien interactions. The Blu-ray transfer provides solid depth of field, retaining detail without distortion even in darker scenes, though some black levels do exhibit minor crush issues.

While the transfer excels in presenting sharp details in well-lit environments, it does exhibit occasional softness in wide shots. The image could potentially benefit from further refinement as certain sequences reveal a hazy quality alongside dirt and debris typical of aged film stock. Additionally, film grain is occasionally pronounced, although it adds a certain nostalgic charm. Although some areas suggest room for enhancement, the current presentation is likely to satisfy enthusiasts, albeit serving as a reminder that a more extensive restoration might enhance this cult classic’s vivid look even further.

"Earth Girls Are Easy" arrives on Blu-ray with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, providing a compelling auditory experience despite the absence of a more immersive 5.1 option. The soundtrack supports the film's boisterous score, characterized by trendy synths that, while occasionally metallic in higher registers, integrate effectively with the musical numbers and overall sound design. Dialogue remains clear and distinct, ensuring conversations are easily understood without any auditory complications. The engaging vocal performances stand out distinctly, accompanied by musical numbers that sound rich and full-bodied.

Sound effects in "Earth Girls Are Easy" contribute to its quirky sci-fi narrative, with alien utterances and tonalities within spacecraft adding to its surreal charm. While traditional action-driven dynamic range is not the film's focus, sound cues and ambient noises are well-balanced and enhance the viewing experience substantially. Notably, the film excels at delivering convincing low-frequency sounds, ensuring that the audio has a respectable degree of depth and layering.

While an enhanced surround mix might have added more dimensionality to the audio landscape, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track does justice to the film's needs through potent dynamics and crisp dialogue reproduction. Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles complement the audio package, catering to diverse audience requirements. Overall, this audio presentation facilitates an entertaining and nostalgic auditory journey, upholding the film's vibrant and eclectic spirit.

The Blu-ray of "Earth Girls Are Easy" offers an impressive suite of extras, providing a comprehensive exploration of the film's production and lasting influence. Julie Brown's audio commentary is a standout, offering insightful anecdotes and humor related to casting and production tales, which makes for an engaging listen. Interviews such as “The Musical Man,” featuring Director Julien Temple, and “Candy Time!” with Julie Brown, delve into the challenges and creative processes behind the project. Technical contributions are highlighted in interviews like “Views of the Valley” and “Aliens in L.A.” These detailed accounts fuse storytelling with technical insights, enhancing appreciation for fans and newcomers alike. The collection also includes various vintage promotions and interviews, deleted scenes, amusing behind-the-scenes footage, a karaoke featurette, and promotional material that collectively deepen the understanding of this cult classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Actress and co-writer Julie Brown provides commentary.
• The Musical Man: Interview with director Julien Temple.
• Candy Time!: Interview with actress and co-writer Julie Brown.
• Views of the Valley: Interviews with Director of Photography Oliver Stapleton and Production Designer Dennis Gassner.
• Aliens in L.A.: Interview with Special Make-Up Supervisor Robert Clark.
• Deleted Scenes & Outtakes
• Earth Girls Karaoke!: Musical segments with karaoke-style subtitles.
• BTS Footage: Behind-the-scenes clips featuring the cast and crew.
• Vintage Interview with Actor Charles Rocket
• Vintage Premiere Night Promo
• Theatrical Trailers
• TV Spots
• Radio Spots
• Still Gallery
• Storyboard Gallery: Early looks at musical sequences.

"Earth Girls Are Easy" offers an engaging blend of musical comedy and '80s nostalgia, accentuated by its unique premise and vibrant production design. The film follows Valerie Gail, played by Geena Davis, a valley-girl manicurist whose life takes a whimsical turn when three furry aliens, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum, Jim Carrey, and Damon Wayans, crash-land into her pool. What ensues is an interstellar romp through a quintessentially Los Angeles landscape, imbued with spirited musical numbers and colorful character interactions. The transformation of the aliens, both physically and culturally, provides a comedic exploration of human—and particularly Californian—life, complemented by the charming chemistry between Davis and Goldblum.

Despite its seemingly chaotic narrative structure, consisting of multiple plots including the romantic tension between Valerie and Mac and a myriad of comedic set-pieces, the film thrives on its lighthearted tone and irreverent humor. The screenplay co-written by Julie Brown, who also stars as Valerie's friend Candy, introduces lively dialogue and memorable musical interludes that capture the essence of the '80s cult-classic ethos. While some plot elements may feel overstuffed or disjointed, the film’s playful embrace of absurdity ensures an entertaining viewing experience.

In terms of performances, the cast delivers energetic portrayals that add significant value to the film’s charm. Davis's depiction of Valerie balances sincerity and humor with ease, while Carrey and Wayans provide glimpses of their future comedic prowess. Goldblum’s restrained yet charismatic Mac adds a subtle sophistication to the ensemble. Overall, "Earth Girls Are Easy" delivers a nostalgically delightful spectacle that contributes to its status as a cherished cult classic, enticing audiences with its unabashed celebration of fun and silliness set against a backdrop of '80s cultural icons and rhythms.

The Blu-ray release of Earth Girls Are Easy offers a vibrant revisit to this quirky musical comedy. Directed with flair and featuring an energetic cast including Jeff Goldblum, Jim Carrey, and Damon Wayans, the film delivers whimsical fun encapsulated in vivid production design. Julie Brown's work on the music, while occasionally lightweight, adds a buoyant and infectious energy that enhances the eccentric narrative. Technical aspects have been handled with care; the audio presentation stands out in particular, with clear and engaging DTS-HD 2.0 audio. The video transfer to 1080p HD is decent, though not without minor issues, typical of older films given a high-definition upgrade. Special mention must be made of the extensive supplements included in this Vestron Video Collector's Series release.

Make-up supervisor Robert Clark lends notable expertise to the film's distinctive aesthetic, drawing from his experience in transformative special effects on projects like An American Werewolf in London and Cujo. The deftly designed alien costumes, despite their intricate care requirements, contribute significantly to the film’s unique visual appeal. This new release effectively encapsulates the colorful absurdity and charm that made the original viewing experience memorable, with added bonus features enhancing its appeal for fans and collectors alike.

In conclusion, Earth Girls Are Easy on Blu-ray is ripe with nostalgia that maintains its charm 35 years after its initial release. While not without its flaws, the film’s playful spirit and lively performance endure. Coupled with a reasonable price point and numerous extras, this release is a worthwhile addition for both curious newcomers and dedicated collectors. Recommended for those seeking a lighthearted escape into whimsical alien antics.